What is a Sprint Enduro?

In simple terms, it’s you riding your dirt bike against the trail and the clock. Riders race two or more “special tests” or sections multiple times. All your times are added up and the rider with the lowest cumulative time wins his or her class.

The following will be loosely based on what you may expect at a NETRA Sprint Enduro.

What are these “special tests”?

Every event can be different but most provide at least three tests including the “Cross”, “Enduro”, and “Extreme” tests. The “Cross” test is short for motocross and the trail is usually flowing single track with berms, jumps, fast cart road, whoops, and maybe grass track. The “Enduro” is more like woods riding; tight single track through the woods, rocks, muds, roots. The “Extreme” test are usually tough sections with tight gnarly trail, elevation changes, large rocks, and nasty trail; you know… the fun stuff. Most extreme trail will be rideable but will challenge you. Don’t be scared! You can do it!

Most event promoters will define the required sections and the number of times you’ll need to ride them for your class and the time limit in which you need to complete all runs. For example, the event promoter might require mini riders to ride the Cross and Enduro test twice each within 60 minutes. For Novice or C level riders, he might require all three sections to be ridden three times in 90 minutes. For Pro/Am, he may require the riders to ride all three sections 5 times in 2 hours.

How do Sprint Enduro work? Where do I start?

Section starts should be clearly marked. You just show up at the start gate, wait your turn, get your transponder scanned, and when the start check work says “Go!”, you let it rip! Riders go out one at a time usually every 30-60 seconds apart. When you come to the Finish check, be sure to have you transponder scanned by the check worker to capture your time.

At NETRA events, you can start at any of the test. Maybe you want to get all your Extreme sections done first so you go to the Extreme start and do the same section three times. Then you move on to the other sections. Others might want to try all three sequentially and then go repeat them as a loop. Another rider might want to warm up on the Cross section first before heading out to the Extreme test. It’s up to you. Just make sure you complete ALL the required runs for each sections for your class in the allotted timeframe.

You should be given enough time to complete all the sections in the allotted time. Usually, there’s enough extra time padded in so you can go back to your truck, grab a drink or tighten a bolt or gas up. Just keep an eye on the clock and make sure you get all your runs in.

How will I be scored?

NETRA uses LiveLaps scoring and transponders. You can buy a transponder at the event. They need to be mounted to the front of your bike. When you check into a section a check worker will scan your transponder with a mobile phone app and then give you a countdown to go. When you complete a section a check worker will scan your transponder and give you the thumbs up to move along. Scores are transmitted to the cloud and scoring is updated live on www.livelaps.com. Your friends and family can follow your results from anywhere in the world. Heck, you could pull over after a check out and see how you and your buddies are doing mid-race!

Do I have to keep time? Do I need lights? Do I need a street plated dirt bike? Do I need a motorcycle license?

No. No. No… and wait for it … No.

What happens if I don’t finish all the sections in the allotted time?

You will still be scored in the final results. Who ever finishes all (or the most) sections in the shortest cumulative time wins his or her class.

Here’s an update on what you should expect at the 2016 Dam Good Sprint Enduro (August 20, 2016 Thomaston CT) from the trail boss, Tom Cameron.

This year’s DAM GOOD WEEKEND will have a packed schedule including a full round of racing Saturday in addition to the usual epic Dam Good Hare Scramble on Sunday.

There will be three sections, Cross (3.4 miles), Enduro (2.6 miles), and Extreme (1.4 miles)

Junior Enduro – 9am

This race will be run in a SPRINT format. What’s up with that, you may ask? Mini A/B, Big Wheel and Girls will ride two separate sections multiple times, have their time recorded via a transponder on their bike at the beginning and end of each loop. Riders get 90 minutes to complete all the required number of runs for each section. Lowest cumulative time wins each class! Estimated total seat time is approximately 15 miles…maybe more! Between sections riders can refresh their water, fix their bike or head directly to the next section. The two sections will include a fun, fast and flowing loop, the Cross section, and another that’s some of the best single track the Dam has to offer, the Enduro section. Mini riders WILL NOT BE REQUIRED to ride the Extreme test. There will be plenty of course marshals and arrows directing the kids to and from each section. Add to that scoring by transponder, like the big bikes, and it’s sure to be DAM GOOD!

As long as your bike passes NETRA TECH INSPECTION (emphasis on the sound check), run what ya brung! You’ll ride three separate sections three times, have your time recorded via a transponder on your bike at the beginning and end of each sections. Riders get 90 minutes to complete all the required number of laps for each section. Lowest cumulative time wins each class! You’ll experience a Dam Good fast and flowing section, the best Dam Good single track the Dam offers and a third loop with more traditional NETRA extreme terrain! Between sections riders can refresh their water, fix their bikes, gas or head directly to the next section. You can ride the sections in any order. Plenty of arrows showing where the loops begin and end as well as course marshals and friendly Pathfinder faces to help with any questions or issues.

Pro/Am – Dam Good Sprint Enduro – 1:30PM

Same course as the Novice race but you will have to complete each section 5 times in a 2 hour timeframe.

This is NOT a beat down, NOT a timekeeping event, NOT a 5 hour grind. It IS a great way to race against yourself and better your time in each section. It IS a format that doesn’t require a MC license and it IS a Dam Good way to have fun on your dirtbike and compete at your own pace. See you SATURDAY!